Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

The Minister has confirmed to the House that, before he decided to abolish the 128 classes in 119 schools affecting more than 500 young people, he did not visit any of the schools, speak to any of the parents, or meet any of the children, principals or teachers. Before the end of the school year, will he go to some of the schools that are greatly affected by his decision to abolish the classes, meet some of the people directly and hear their experiences of the detrimental effect on their school community of his arbitrary decision last February?

Second, did the Minister get a specific legal opinion within his Department or from the Attorney General before he made his decision in February, given the clear obligations under section 2 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, which states "the best interests of the child" are "as determined in accordance with any assessment carried out under this Act"? The Minister is leaving himself open to another legal challenge. Unless he shows some flexibility and common sense about the importance of these classes in many schools, such a challenge could well be contemplated and pursued.

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